Bengaluru Metro Sees Major Financial Improvement: Annual Loss Reduces by Rs 135 Crore Over Three Years

In a promising development for Bengaluru metro, the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has witnessed a substantial decrease in its annual loss from Rs 476 crore in 2021-22 to Rs 341 crore in 2023-24. This significant reduction over the past three years underscores the metro's improved operational efficiency. Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar highlighted this achievement during the Belagavi Legislative Assembly session, responding to Member Umashree's inquiry. He emphasized the metro's daily service to 7.9 lakh passengers across 68 stations, marking a period of robust growth and operational success.

The Deputy Chief Minister further noted that despite the financial challenges, BMRCL's initiatives have led to an increase in both passenger numbers and revenue. The introduction of the 76 km Purple Line has been particularly successful, boosting daily ridership to more than 9.2 lakh and generating Rs 2 crore in ticket revenue per day. This uptick in usage and income after the new metro line's inauguration signifies a turning point for the corporation, promising better financial health and service expansion in the future.

To enhance its revenue streams, BMRCL has adopted strategies employed by metro systems worldwide, such as permitting advertisements inside coaches and leasing spaces at stations to snack shops. These measures, alongside the operationalisation of the Purple Line, have contributed to a noticeable rise in the corporation's income, with ticket sales on weekdays soaring past Rs 2 crore daily. This financial year has seen a marked increase in income, indicating a positive trend towards sustainability and growth for Bengaluru's metro services.

Addressing the concerns raised by Member Umashree regarding passenger comfort and safety, Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar confirmed the establishment of childcare centers at several metro stations, including Nadaprabhu Kempegowda, Yeshwantpur, Chikkapet, and Nagasandra. This initiative aims to support mothers facing challenges while breastfeeding during travel. The demand for these facilities arose from incidents where women struggled to find suitable spaces for breastfeeding, prompting calls for quick action under the Nirbhaya scheme. The commitment to extending these centers to all metro stations further demonstrates BMRCL's dedication to improving passenger experience.

The operational aspects of Bengaluru's metro system also received attention, with discussions on the staffing of metro stations. Currently, each station is manned by a combination of 36 security personnel, 10 outsourced employees, and 15 BMRCL staff across three shifts. There has been a particular emphasis on curbing the hiring of out-of-state employees for ticket counter operations, reflecting a broader discussion on employment practices within the metro system.